Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 is an abundant and inexpensive geomaterial regarded as one of the most common clay minerals in the earth's crust and the most widespread phase among the other kaolin polymorphs (halloysite, dickite and nacrite). Structurally, it is a hydrous aluminum phyllosilicate member belonging to the dioctahedral 1:1 kaolin mineral group. The particle size of the pseudohexagonal kaolinite platelets is normally <2μm (if compared to a human red blood cell of a typical diameter 6.2-8.2μm or to a virus particle of about 50nm diameter)...

In their article "Importing Injectables" in the September 2014 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Dr. Kenneth Beer and Karen Rothschild highlighted the possible harm to patients and practitioners from the use of unapproved botulinum toxin products - eg, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Myobloc - and other cosmetic prescription drug products purchased from foreign or unlicensed suppliers.1 In the intervening years, the accuracy of their critique has been repeatedly demonstrated, as the dangers to patients' health, as well as to cosmetic practitioners' liberty, has only increased...

BACKGROUND: Chemical peels are a mainstay of aesthetic medicine and an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure performed in men. OBJECTIVE: To review the indications for chemical peels with an emphasis on performing this procedure in male patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the English PubMed/MEDLINE literature and specialty texts in cosmetic dermatology, oculoplastic, and facial aesthetic surgery regarding sex-specific use of chemical peels in men...

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Alopecia areata is a common immune-mediated hair condition with limited treatment options and success rates. There is evidence that statins, which are used for reducing atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease, have immunomodulatory activities and therefore may also be used for treatment of selected dermatologic conditions, including alopecia areata. Among treatments evaluated for alopecia areata, oral simvastatin/ezetimibe therapy is currently under the scrutiny of expert opinion...

AIM: To report the complications observed in a consecutive large series of cases treated with keratopigmentation (KTP). METHODS: KTP was performed in 234 eyes of 204 patients for therapeutic and cosmetic reasons. From them, 50 eyes of 29 patients suffered complications. Different KTP techniques and three generations of pigments (GP) were used. The follow-up period ranged from 4 months to 12 years. Light sensitivity (LS), visual field (VF) limitations and MRI alterations were considered functional complications...

BACKGROUND: Reconstructive hair fibers are an innovative tool in cosmetic dermatology based on electrostatic adherent powder which bonds to the hair shaft and can disguise hair loss in men and women. AIM: This study aims to analyze and compare five different brands of organic hair fibers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to obtain amplified images of samples to study their shape and morphological structure...

INTRODUCTION: There has been an increase in the demand for esthetic dermatology treatments within the general population. The purpose of this study was to analyze, within the scope of general population, the relationship between people's perception of esthetic dermatology treatments and emotional well-being, as well as for differences in gender. METHODS: The Aesthetic Dermatology and Emotional Well-Being (DEBIE) Scale, [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology vol. 13 (2014) 336-345] was applied to 770 Spanish people over 18 years old...

BACKGROUND: Melasma (facial dermatoses) is an acquired chronic disorder of hyperpigmentation over sun exposed parts and continues to be a therapeutic challenge due to the presence of melanin at varying depths in the epidermis and dermis, and many researchers are working hard to find a solution. The main culprit to remain is direct sun exposure, with other factors like drugs, genetic predisposition, thyroid abnormalities, pregnancy, phototoxic and photoallergic cosmetics. Melasma continues to have a remarkable impact on the well-being of affected patients causing deep psychological and social anguish, and with the expansion of cosmetic dermatology globally, treatments that are successful against skin diseases and boost beauty without prolonged recovery periods, or exposing patients to the risks of surgery, are increasingly recognised and acknowledged...

Catechin is found in several natural sources, as Eugenia dysenterica and Syzygium cumini extracts. Its antioxidant and UV-protective properties suggest a potential use in cosmetic and dermatological formulations. A simple analytical method capable of giving support to experiments performed along the development of topical formulations containing this natural substance (i.e., drug assay, skin permeation and stability studies), however, is still demanded. Thus, this work aimed to develop and validate a selective HPLC method for catechin determination during the development of topical formulations...

Rhinophyma, a rare and progressive disfiguring condition, is thought to be the final stage of rosacea. Several surgical treatments are available, including dermabrasion, cryosurgery, scalpel excision, electrosurgery, and carbon dioxide laser. The last 2 techniques are the most effective for the management of rhinophyma. We describe a series of cases of moderate or severe rhinophyma treated with high-frequency electrosurgery in the dermatology department of Hospital Simón Bolivar and in private clinics in Bogota, Colombia, between 2012 and 2016...

Background The body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is considered to be a sub-form of somatoform disorders. BDD can express itself in a delirious experience, an excessive evaluation and employment of the external appearance, in particular the face. Preliminary results suggest that individuals with BDD do not benefit from plastic surgery, so that aesthetic surgery often results in aggravation of their symptoms. Thus, the identification of signs for a BDD is crucial, whether a patient should be operated plastically-aesthetically...

BACKGROUND: Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatological disorder caused by protozoal parasite Leishmania donovani. PKDL cases are thought to be a reservoir of parasites and may increase cases of visceral leishmaniasis. The disease is not life threatening but cosmetic disfigurement associated with it may impair the patients' quality of life. This study aimed to assess the health related quality of life in patients with post kalaazar dermal leishmanasis for the first time...

CONTEXT: The search for bioactive compounds from botanical sources is attracting much interest. However, differences in chemical composition may occur within the same species depending on different geographical origins. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the properties on skin enzymes and cells of extracts from sulla legume crop Hedysarum coronarium L. (Fabaceae), collected at two Italian sites near Pisa and Ventimiglia, for possible dermatological and cosmetic applications...

BACKGROUND: The use of simulated patients in student assessment is supported by the Best Evidence Medical Education and U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and it provides a safe and effective alternative to real patients in many situations. To assess the validity and feasibility of moulage technique-where a cosmetically constructed rash is used on simulated patients-two dermatologic rashes were developed using moulage simulation on standardized patients at Aga Khan University Hospital for 3rd year medical summative Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)...

Topical treatments are frequently used for the therapy of psoriasis. However, they may be associated with poor adherence in clinical practice. Therapeutic adherence is affected by patient's characteristics, as well as disease- and treatment-related factors; moreover, satisfaction with therapy, cosmetic acceptability and complexity of the treatment regimen do also play a role. Since low adherence could lead to treatment failure, it is crucial to elaborate effective strategies aimed at improving patient adherence and thus clinical outcomes in psoriasis...

Local anesthetics play an important role in cosmetic dermatology. Techniques using topical and regional anesthesia provide numerous pain management options for laser and injection treatments. In this article, we review strategies to maximize patient comfort during cosmetic interventions.

BACKGROUND: Skin whitening products, used for ages by Asian people for cultural and esthetic purposes, are very popular nowadays in Western countries as well, where the need to inhibit skin spots after sun exposure has become not only a cosmetic but also a health-related issue. Thus, the development of effective and safe depigmenting agents derived from natural products gets continuous attention by cosmetic brands and consumers. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of two preparations, obtained from the hairy root cultures of the species Brassica rapa, on melanogenesis and the expression of the extracellular matrix proteins involved in a correct pigment distribution...

Bruxism is a diurnal or nocturnal parafunctional activity that includes unconscious clenching, grinding, or bracing of the teeth. An extensive medical history should be taken in these patients so proper diagnosis can be made. Habits such as biting the tongue, cheeks or lips, chewing gum or eating seeds for many hours per day, biting nails, and/or biting hard objects, will cause and/or exacerbate pre-existing bruxism. The etiology of bruxism is uncertain, but it is hypothesized to be associated with genetic, structural, and psychosocial factors...